[The socioeconomic characteristics and health problems and needs of chronic home-bound patients].
OBJECTIVE
To find the social and economic characteristics, and to identify the problems and health needs, of chronic patients confined to the home (CPHs).


METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Otxarkoaga Health Centre (Bilbao).


METHODS
121 CPHs of the 134 identified. These included patients with sub-acute, chronic or terminal illness, with physical and/or psychological disability, and/or with lack of social or family support, which prevented their attending the Health Centre.


RESULTS
A 22-item questionnaire was designed by the authors. The study period was March to September 1996. Information was taken from home interviews and clinical records. Average age was 78 (SD 11.2). 68.6% were women. 70% were over 75 years old. 77.7% received no formal social assistance.


CONCLUSIONS
We found some CPHs suffering pluripathology and receiving multiple medication, most of these were elderly, women, with a low social and economic level and little social support. A programme of care of chronic patients confined to the home needs to be set up, based on nursing care and enabling the quality of life and satisfaction of these patients to be improved.
García Bermejo
S
S
Unidad Docente de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria de Bizkaia, Centro de Salud de Otxarkoaga, Bilbao.
Lekube Angulo
K
K
Andikoetxea Agorria
A
A
Solar Barruetabeña
M
M
Olaskoaga Arrate
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Características socioeconómicas, problemas y necesidades de salud de los pacientes crónicos domiciliarios.